Explore every episode of the podcast Blind Level Tech
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| Meet Liam Erven: A New Era of Blind Level Tech | 14 Oct 2026 | 00:14:32 | |
Blind Level Tech is entering an exciting new chapter, and we're introducing the voice who will help lead the way! Jonathan Price welcomes Liam Erven as the new host of Blind Level Tech, bringing his passion for accessible technology, education, and a little humor to the Aftersight family. Liam shares his vision for the future of the podcast, focusing on making complicated technology understandable, approachable, and useful for people who are blind or have low vision. From artificial intelligence and accessibility innovations to everyday smartphone tips, Liam wants to help listeners build their own toolbox of practical technology skills. Jonathan and Liam also preview what's coming to BLT, including conversations with innovative guests, hands-on technology demonstrations, and quick BLT Byte episodes. Liam shares a few examples of the accessibility features he loves teaching, including customizable iPhone VoiceOver gestures and AI-powered image descriptions that can make digital content more accessible. Plus, Jonathan announces the upcoming nationwide expansion of Aftersight's free White Cane Project, introduces BLT's updated logo, and shares how listeners can become part of the show's next chapter. New host. Fresh ideas. The same commitment to making technology accessible to everyone. Show Credits Show: Blind Level Tech (BLT) New Host: Liam Erven Special Episode Host: Jonathan Price Producer: Jonathan Price Production: Aftersight Featured Guest: Liam Erven
Aftersight
00:05 Welcome to a New Chapter of Blind Level Tech
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| The Future of Low Vision Tech: Inside Innovega’s Smart Glasses | 16 Sep 2026 | 00:47:53 | |
Episode Summary What if one pair of glasses could replace the magnifiers, phone tricks, telescopic lenses, and other tools many people with low vision rely on every day? On this episode of Blind Level Tech, Jonathan Price sits down with Corrinalyn Guyette, Strategic Growth and Partnerships at Innovega, and Joseph, Innovega’s Chief Marketing Officer, for an in-depth look at the company’s upcoming vision-enhancement technology. Innovega’s smart glasses are not designed to cure blindness or restore vision. Instead, the company says they are designed to enhance a person’s existing functional vision through features including magnification, zoom, brightness and contrast adjustments, color inversion, and a camera-driven display. The team explains why a person’s diagnosis alone may not determine whether the glasses will be useful, and why the better question is whether tools such as magnification, contrast enhancement, or zoom already provide benefit. Corrinalyn and Joseph also share stories from early demonstrations, including users being able to read, recognize family members, watch television, play cards, and interact with their surroundings in new ways. Much of the conversation centers on a word that has repeatedly surfaced during Innovega's testing: hope. The conversation gets into the nuts and bolts as well: Innovega's Founder Series preorder, anticipated early-2027 shipping, phone compatibility, the wired first-generation design, screen mirroring, AI features under development, microphones and speakers, and the company's longer-term work involving smart contact lenses. Jonathan also asks an important accessibility question: how does a company developing promising technology make sure the people who could benefit from it can actually afford it? Innovega discusses HSA/FSA eligibility, potential sponsorship opportunities, work with low-vision clinics, and other possible pathways intended to broaden access. This episode is a detailed look at emerging low-vision technology, what it can potentially do, what it cannot do, and why Innovega believes listening directly to the blind and low-vision community is essential to developing it. Credits Host: Jonathan Price Contact & Resources Aftersight Innovega Innovega also directs listeners to its website for information about its Founder Series, consultations, webinars, preorder information, and applications for in-person demonstrations.
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| Accessibility Isn’t an Option: How Liam Erven Builds Games Everyone Can Play | 09 Sep 2026 | 00:53:51 | |
Summary Blind programmer and game developer Liam Erven joins Jonathan Price to explore what accessible technology looks like when inclusion is built into the foundation rather than added at the end. Liam shares how he created Super Liam, the first audio-based side-scrolling platform game designed for blind players, and how a childhood idea eventually became something meaningful to gamers around the world. He explains how audio positioning can replace visual information, why developers must understand their audience, and how thoughtful testing catches barriers sighted development teams may never notice. Jonathan and Liam also discuss artificial intelligence, game modification, screen-reader-first design, quality assurance, and what aspiring programmers should learn before asking AI to build an application. The central lesson is simple: technology works best when developers communicate clearly, test with real users, and treat accessibility as a genuine need rather than an optional feature. Credits Show: Blind Level Tech Contact Information Learn more about Liam’s accessible games and software at LWorks.net. Interested in auditioning to become the next host of Blind Level Tech? Contact Jonathan Price at jonathan@aftersight.org. For questions, guest suggestions, or feedback:
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| TetraLogical and the great AI questions | 26 Aug 2026 | 00:21:51 | |
Episode Description Artificial intelligence is changing how websites are built, searched, and experienced. But is it actually making the internet more accessible? Evan talks with accessibility specialist Ela Gorla from TetraLogical about the benefits and risks of using AI in web accessibility. They discuss AI-generated image descriptions, automatic captions, accessible coding, and why developers must give AI clear instructions instead of assuming it will produce accessible results automatically. Ela also explains how poorly trained AI could repeat the accessibility failures already found across the web—and what companies can do to create a more accessible digital future. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome and Introducing Ela Gorla | |||
| Meet My Menu: Mmmm Tasty!!! | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:17:13 | |
Episode Description Restaurant menus are supposed to tell you what you can eat. But when the website is inaccessible, the PDF won’t work with a screen reader, or there isn’t a braille menu available, something as simple as ordering dinner can turn into a guessing game. On this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan talks with Avital “Avi” Drel, creator of Meet My Menu, a tool designed to give blind and low-vision diners a more independent way to access restaurant menus. Avi explains how conversations with blind users around the country revealed just how inconsistent menu accessibility can be, from inaccessible restaurant websites to screen readers forcing users through an entire menu from beginning to end. Meet My Menu combines accessible menu formatting with an AI voice agent that can answer natural questions about dishes, prices, ingredients, and other information pulled directly from the restaurant menu. For users who prefer not to use voice, menus can also be presented in a consistent structure designed to work with screen readers and braille displays, including headings and expandable sections. And restaurants may only be the beginning. Avi talks about expanding the same accessibility concept into conferences, theater programs, events, and other information that can be difficult to access independently. Guest Avital “Avi” Drel Links Meet My Menu: meetmymenu.com
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| Start Small, Make Something: getting started with Music Production | 12 Aug 2026 | 00:18:39 | |
Getting into music production does not have to begin with an expensive microphone, audio interface, MIDI controller, or professional studio. In this solo episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan Starnes offers a practical introduction to making music and working with audio—especially for blind and low-vision creators.
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| Start Small, Make Something: An Accessible Guide to Music Production | 12 Aug 2026 | 00:18:39 | |
Getting into music production does not have to begin with an expensive microphone, audio interface, MIDI controller, or professional studio. In this solo episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan Starnes offers a practical introduction to making music and working with audio—especially for blind and low-vision creators.
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| Vibe Coding: Building Accessible Tools with AI | 05 Aug 2026 | 00:28:43 | |
On this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan Starnes and Jonathan Price explore vibe coding and its potential for blind and low-vision users. Jonathan shares how AI-assisted coding helped him create an accessible production-management platform that brings Aftersight’s programs, volunteers, publications, audio, and production information into one place.
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| Burritos, Braille, and Robotaxis: July Tech Roundup with David Ward | 29 Jul 2026 | 00:55:20 | |
There’s a lot to catch up on in the world of tech.
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| Inside the Perkins Brailler: History, Repair, and Remarkable Design | 22 Jul 2026 | 00:23:11 | |
This week, Evan welcomes Aftersight volunteer and Perkins Brailler repair Ralph for a journey through the machine’s history, design, and maintenance. | |||
| Wait! The History and Tech Behind Audible Pedestrian Signals | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:24:48 | |
After a short staycation break, Evan is back on Blind Level Tech to explore the surprisingly fascinating world of audible pedestrian signals. These are the beeping, chirping, talking, and sometimes very enthusiastic crosswalk buttons that help blind and low vision travelers navigate street crossings.
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| Weather Radios and Why They Still Matter | 10 Jun 2026 | 00:21:09 | |
This week on Blind Level Tech, Evan takes a closer look at weather radios: what they do, why they still matter in the age of smartphones, and where accessibility still falls short. From NOAA broadcasts and SAME codes to emergency crank radios, alert radios, pillow shakers, strobe lights, and satellite SOS features, this episode is all about staying informed when it matters most.
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| Tech News Roundup for May 2026 | 03 Jun 2026 | 00:57:30 | |
In this Blind Level Tech monthly Tech Roundup, Evan welcomes David Ward back as a recurring monthly guest for a new, evolving roundup format covering access tech, mainstream tech, and useful listener-focused tools.
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| David Ward Part 2: Screen Readers, Sound Cues, and Smart AI | 27 May 2026 | 01:06:50 | |
David Ward returns to Blind Level Tech for part two of a wonderfully nerdy and practical conversation about accessibility, AI, screen readers, and the tools that make daily life just a little smoother. Evan and David pick up from their previous discussion and dive into Braille Sonar, David’s braille reference app that has been revived as a web app with help from modern AI coding tools.
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| David Ward: Alexa Plus, Echoes, and the Future of Talking Tech | 20 May 2026 | 00:54:01 | |
In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan sits down with David Ward, longtime assistive technology trainer, producer of the Echo Tips Podcast, and all-around smart speaker nerd in the best possible way.
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| Sriram Ganesh from Luminade: Voice First, Email Second | 13 May 2026 | 00:41:12 | |
In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan Starnes and Jonathan Price welcome Sriram Ganesh, founder of Luminade, to talk about Lumin, a voice-driven email client designed especially with blind, low vision, aging, neurodivergent, and voice-first users in mind.
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| Right Where? RightHear!!! | 06 May 2026 | 00:43:38 | |
1. Episode Summary In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan Starnes and Jonathan Price talk with Shanell Matos, Community Manager at RightHear, about accessible wayfinding, independence, and the difference between being guided and being empowered. Shanell explains that RightHear is spelled with “hear” — H-E-A-R — and is built to give blind and low-vision users meaningful orientation information without taking away choice or autonomy. The conversation covers how RightHear uses Bluetooth beacons, smart markers, GPS awareness, and a free mobile app to help users understand what is around them in real time. Shanell also shares how businesses can install RightHear, how users can advocate for accessible locations, and why accessible orientation is especially important in airports, hospitals, libraries, conferences, hotels, emergency situations, and even nature trails. A major theme of the episode is independence with responsibility. RightHear does not replace a cane, guide dog, or orientation and mobility skills. Instead, it gives users the “lay of the land” so they can move through spaces with more confidence, awareness, and dignity. RightHear’s official site confirms that its system uses Bluetooth beacons, markers, a free app, and audio guidance to support blind and low-vision navigation and orientation. 2. Contact Info Guest: Shanell Matos Aftersight Producer Contact 3. Show Credits Show: Blind Level Tech | |||
| Tech News and Updates April 2026 | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:40:15 | |
1) Episode Summary In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes is joined by producer Jonathan Price for a monthly tech news digest covering mainstream tech, access tech, AI, wearables, and listener comments. The episode opens with a preview of upcoming conversations, including Sriram Ganesh from Lumen and Shanell Matos from RightHear, highlighting AI email management, indoor orientation, accessibility beacons, and tools designed to help blind and low-vision users navigate daily life with more independence. Evan and Jonathan also discuss major access-tech updates, including InnoSearch’s move into nonprofit status, the importance of supporting useful nonprofit technology, and the growing role of wearable AI. They talk through Meta Ray-Ban glasses, Aira integration, EchoVision glasses, and how AI-powered tools may continue shifting from phone-based experiences into glasses, watches, and other hands-free devices. The conversation then moves into broader tech news, including AI processors, Apple’s ecosystem, Apple Intelligence, Windows Copilot, Microsoft’s approach to AI integration, and Evan’s real-world experience testing Android after years in the Apple ecosystem. The episode keeps a conversational, practical tone while asking the larger question underneath all the tech: does this actually help people live, work, navigate, communicate, and access the world more easily? The episode closes with listener comments about Meta glasses, EchoVision, app accessibility, banking independence, and how listeners can reach out to the show with feedback, questions, or tech they would like reviewed. 2) Contact Info Blind Level Tech / Aftersight Featured hosts/contributors 3) Show Credits Blind Level Tech is hosted by Evan Starnes and produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight. Aftersight provides news, information, and resources in audio format for people who are blind, have low vision, or benefit from alternatives to print.
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| BLT Bite: Exploring your Environment with OOrian | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:07:38 | |
As promissed, here is the BLT Bite demo of the OOrian app.For this demonstration, we go on a walk to Evan's office, and
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| OOrion: The App That Helped Me Find Dog Poop | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:23:43 | |
In this solo episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan takes a deep dive into one of the most exciting accessibility tools he has tested recently: the Orion app.
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| Thinking About Switching Phones? Here’s What It’s Really Like | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:27:23 | |
In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan Starnes takes on a topic that can be surprisingly personal and surprisingly complicated: switching ecosystems. Rather than arguing that iPhone or Android is universally better, Evan walks listeners through what actually changes when you move from one platform to the other, especially as a blind screen reader user.
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| When Smart Tech Stops Being Smart | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:13:51 | |
In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan dives into a surprisingly practical and slightly uncomfortable question: when does “smart” tech become too smart for its own good, and what can you do if your smart device loses it's smart functionality? Creators & Guests
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| Alexa’s Got Attitude: A Funny Blind Level Tech Roundup on Apple, Spotify, Windows & BrailleSense 7 | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:23:34 | |
Episode Summary In this monthly Blind Level Tech roundup, Evan Starnes brings a fast-moving mix of mainstream and assistive tech news, opening with a reminder that Aftersight’s Tech Pulse audio edition lets listeners hear original tech articles from sources like Top Tech Tidbits, Wired, and CNET. From there, the episode moves through Amazon’s new Alexa personality options, Apple’s push into business and education, Spotify’s new Song DNA feature, Windows 11 changes, and a reported FCC router sales ban. The second half shifts into assistive tech, highlighting Speakable’s public voice-label system, a new BMIOS and Meta partnership, and an extended breakdown of the BrailleSense 7 and its new features. This episode works well as a broad accessibility-and-innovation update. It gives listeners both consumer-facing tech developments and blind-specific tools in one place, while keeping the tone conversational, practical, and rooted in how these changes may actually affect everyday users. Contact Info Guest/Organization Info: Aftersight Contact Info: Show Credits Host: Evan Starnes
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| 3 Years of BLT | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:32:07 | |
Episode Summary In this personal three-year reflection, Evan Starnes steps away from the usual tech-heavy format to look back on the journey of Blind Level Tech since its launch in March 2023. He shares how his time at the Colorado Center for the Blind and his early internship at Aftersight helped shape his confidence, skills, and voice as both an audio producer and host. Evan walks listeners through the evolution of Aftersight’s podcasting world, from the early days of Community Conversations to the creation of Blind Level Tech alongside producer Jonathan Price. He reflects on the guests, co-hosts, spin-off ideas, and creative risks that helped BLT find its identity as a show that makes technology approachable for both lifelong blind listeners and those newer to vision loss. The episode also opens up a more vulnerable side of the work behind the mic. Evan speaks candidly about the pressure of trying to represent the blind and low-vision community well, the perfectionism that can come with creativity, and the personal struggles that have shaped the show’s highs and lows. It is an honest, human check-in on what it takes to keep building something meaningful week after week. Looking ahead, Evan shares his hopes for the future of Blind Level Tech, including more demos, more guests, Throwback Thursdays, continued BLT Bites, and a stronger creative rhythm after Aftersight’s current platform transition. Through it all, his goal remains the same: to make BLT a welcoming, informative, and distinctly human space for the blind and low-vision community. Contact Info Organization: Aftersight Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast Producer, Aftersight Show Credits Show: Blind Level Tech
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| Everything Apple Updates | 11 Mar 2026 | 00:17:15 | |
1) Episode Summary Evan Starnes opens this shorter solo episode with a quick update on Aftersight’s major platform transition and shares his excitement about getting back to creating more original content for Blind Level Tech. He introduces a new upcoming Thursday mini-series focused on vintage and retro assistive and consumer technology, giving listeners a fun “trip down memory lane” format that will be more relaxed and demo-driven. The main focus of the episode is a broad overview of the latest Apple product releases and what matters most for blind and low-vision users. Evan walks through the newly announced products, highlights accessibility-relevant features, and frames the conversation around practical use rather than deep technical specs. He discusses the value of these devices for students, everyday users, and those looking to upgrade from older Apple hardware. He also gives his take on the new iPhone and Mac lineup from the perspective of real-world accessibility, including MagSafe, storage, performance, camera practicality, and how useful certain “Pro” features may or may not be for blind users. The episode closes with an invitation for listener feedback and a reminder that more tech-focused content is on the way as the transition work settles down. 2) Contact Info Aftersight Contact Info Producer Credit 3) Show Credits Show: Blind Level Tech
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| Kim Wardlow: The Journey Behind Aftersight | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:37:14 | |
1) Episode Summary In this special Aftersight Original, Kim Wardlow shares the personal story behind her leadership and the road that led her to become Executive Director of Aftersight. She reflects on growing up in Lamar, Colorado, her early love for creativity, 4-H, cooking, service, travel, and the many work experiences that quietly prepared her for nonprofit leadership. Kim walks listeners through pivotal moments in her life—from studying abroad in Scotland and working internationally, to volunteering at what was then Radio Reading Service of the Rockies, to unexpectedly finding both her calling and her husband through the organization. She also shares how Aftersight has evolved over the years from volunteer-read programming into a wider community-centered organization offering podcasts, peer support, book club, white canes, and more. This episode is both a personal milestone and a mission-centered reflection. As Kim celebrates her 60th birthday and approaches 25 years with Aftersight, she invites listeners to see the deeper heart behind the organization: building community, increasing independence, and creating meaningful access for people who are blind, low vision, deafblind, or in need of alternatives to print. The episode closes with an invitation to support Aftersight’s work through her birthday giving campaign. 2) Contact Info Guest / Organization: Aftersight: Producer Credit: 3) Show Credits Special Aftersight Original 4) Chapter Markers 00:00 — Jonathan’s welcome and special Aftersight introduction
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| Shawn Keen: Hum a Song, Build the Future | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:26:21 | |
In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes sits down with Sean Keane, an accessibility professional, AI enthusiast, and founder of the AI for the Blind Club. Sean shares his journey from assistive technology trainer and nonprofit technology director to becoming deeply involved in artificial intelligence after a stroke changed how he interacts with computers.
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| Tech News and Updates for January/February | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:19:07 | |
The episode begins with accessibility news, highlighting the upcoming CSUN Assistive Technology Conference in Anaheim, California (March 9–13). Evan shares reflections from attending last year’s conference and encourages listeners interested in emerging assistive tech to consider attending.
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| Amazon Echo Versus Apple HomePod: Setup, Sound, and the Stuff That Actually Matters | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:57:34 | |
This week on Blind Level Tech, Evan Starnes and Jonathan Price kick things off with some classic dark-humor banter, then jump into listener feedback from Anne in Topeka, Kansas—highlighting the very real (and very frustrating) accessibility pitfalls of modern appliances: “tactile” markings that turn out to be painted-on decoration, hidden features like child lock, and ovens that refuse to heat after a power glitch unless the clock is reset. From there, the episode pivots into a practical, BLT-style comparison: Amazon Echo / Alexa (including Alexa+) vs Apple HomePod / Siri, with accessibility and real-world usability front and center. Evan breaks down what’s improved with Alexa+ (better conversational flow, expanded integrations, more assistant-like behaviors), what still feels messy (skills being left behind, app UI changes, and feature removals like announcements in your own voice, and why turning on start/end request sounds can be a game-changer for blind users. On the Apple side, the conversation covers HomePod setup simplicity, VoiceOver support on-device, strong audio quality, and how Apple’s ecosystem can be both a strength and a limitation—especially depending on your smart-home brands. The episode wraps with a lightning-round verdict (cost vs setup vs audio quality vs usability), a call for listener stories and “tech faceplants,” and a clear reminder that Aftersight’s work is powered by community support—whether through donations, merch, or sharing the show. ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| Tech Wins: When Mainstream Tech Gets Accessibility Right | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:33:08 | |
In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes is joined once again by Jonathan Price for a wide-ranging conversation about what they call “tech wins”—mainstream technology that either intentionally includes accessibility or, by good design, ends up being universally accessible. | |||
| Tech Faceplants: That One's Gotta Hurt | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:47:51 | |
EPISODE DESCRIPTION Tech companies promise “life-changing.” Then you open the app and meet the unlabeled rectangle of doom. Evan Starnes is joined by Aftersight’s lead podcast producer (and returning BLT co-host) Jonathan Price for a banter-forward reality check on modern tech hype—especially through the lens of accessibility. Inspired by a listener email from Ron in Memphis, they unpack why “AI everywhere” can create more friction than freedom, how subscription creep turns products into monthly relationships, and why companies keep shipping half-baked devices that depend on updates and vague “bug fixes.” Then it’s time for Tech Faceplant: the smart device that can’t survive setup, the app that became a dashboard, and the “next big thing” hardware that doesn’t fit real life. The episode wraps with a practical BLT buyer checklist built around independence, reliability, accessibility support, and exit costs—because if you can’t set it up solo, it’s not premium…it’s dependent. SEND US YOUR TECH FACEPLANTS CREDITS CHAPTERS
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| Old Tech Making A Roaring Comeback! | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:36:02 | |
1) Episode Summary Evan explores why “old school” tech is showing signs of a comeback—starting with landline-style phones—and why some people (especially younger generations) are intentionally stepping back from always-on screens. He shares how a listener conversation sparked research into reported trends around landlines, “landline mode” smartphone setups, and kid-focused devices that behave like a phone but are managed by parents. From there, he broadens the discussion to other retro returns—music players, physical media, and simpler devices—framing the appeal as fewer interruptions, fewer updates, fewer accounts, and fewer subscriptions. Evan contrasts the reliability and immediacy of older hardware with modern “smart” products that can become limited if servers shut down, then balances that with the real accessibility and independence gains smart tech can bring (screen readers, AI tools, rideshare, remote access, and more). He closes with personal examples of tech he’d happily keep (or go back to), including older operating systems, analog audio setups, call-in security, classic note takers, and a dedicated talking alarm clock—then invites listeners to share their own “what I miss / what I’d keep” tech preferences. 2) Contact Info Aftersight Feedback: feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 3) Show Credits Host: Evan Starnes 4) Chapter Markers 00:06 — Cold open: interrupted by the telephone (ironically) | |||
| BLT Is Back: Tech, Travel, and a Fresh Start | 14 Jan 2026 | 00:29:31 | |
In this welcome-back episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes explains the unexpected hiatus that caused several months of episodes to temporarily disappear, sharing honest reflections on burnout, creative fatigue, and the need to recalibrate. Rather than pushing for constant growth, Evan introduces 2026 as a “stabilization year” for BLT — a chance to refine what already works, improve consistency, and rediscover the joy of creating the show. | |||
| Sam Proulx Part 3: how Fable is Building Web Accessibility Beyond Compliance | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:43:57 | |
In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan sits down with Sam Proulx to dig deep into Fable, a company helping major brands improve web accessibility through real testing by people with disabilities. Sam explains what Fable is, how it started in Canada, and how it grew from a small group of screen reader users into a multinational accessibility testing community that now includes people who use screen magnification, alternative navigation methods (switch control, eye gaze, voice dictation), and more. Sam and Evan talk about why accessibility can’t stop at checkbox compliance, and why real usability and joy matter just as much as meeting standards. Sam shares a helpful analogy: requirements are like building codes for architects—essential, but not enough to create something people actually enjoy using. They also explore how accessibility needs change based on context (banking vs social media vs gaming), and why “fit for purpose” matters. Later, Sam breaks down how companies work with Fable through subscriptions (with monthly requests that don’t roll over to encourage ongoing testing) or project-based engagements for agencies and smaller orgs. He also explains how individuals can join the Fable testing community, what training looks like, how requests are offered, and why the waitlist exists (so testers actually get meaningful paid work). The conversation closes with a strong message about networking, disability employment, and building accessible futures—together with allies.
Aftersight / Blind Level Tech feedback:
Show Credits Show: Blind Level Tech (Aftersight Original) producer: Evan Starnes
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| Samuel Proulx Part 2: AI as Your Co-Pilot (Not Your Autopilot) | 17 Dec 2025 | 00:18:40 | |
Episode Overview
In this second installment with Samuel Proulx, Evan dives into a spontaneous but incredibly rich conversation about artificial intelligence, accessible software development, gaming accessibility, and the tech setups that empower Sam's everyday work at Fable.
This episode picks up during a tangent from last week's discussion — originally meant to be a single interview — where Sam and Evan explore how AI is reshaping workflows for blind creators, programmers, and everyday users. Sam shares meaningful insights about AI as a tool, not a replacement: something that makes hard tasks easier, supports experimentation, and extends the work of human developers rather than taking over.
Along the way, Sam breaks down his personal tech stack — from the Orbit 20 braille display to mechanical keyboards, auto-tracking cameras, Microsoft Surface devices, and even the fully modular Framework laptop he tinkers with for fun. Evan and Sam also trade stories about inaccessible software, auto-generated summaries, gaming mods powered by AI, and the practical limitations of note-takers that don't always pick up every speaker fairly.
The conversation wraps with a fun bit about using AI for household troubleshooting… including the time Sam repaired his own washing machine with help from a model, and Evan recounts AI correctly identifying dishwasher lights.
Part three arrives next week and focuses entirely on Fable’s web accessibility platform, so don’t miss it.
Contact Info
Questions, feedback, or episode ideas?
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Phone: 720-712-8856
Producer Contact:
Evan Starnes:
evan@aftersight.org
720-826-0569
Chapter Markers
00:00 — Intro + context for part two with Samuel Proulx
02:20 — Tech setups: work vs. personal gear
07:00 — When accessibility software falls short
09:20 — How AI scales developer work & removes monotonous tasks
11:45 — Why AI needs direction: “junior developer” analogy
13:00 — AI for note-taking & why human oversight still matters
15:42 — Riverside summaries, styles, and author voice
16:48 — AI as an assistant, not the boss
18:40 — Closing remarks + teaser for part three
★ Support this podcast ★
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| Samuel Proulx Part 1: An Introduction, Some Assistive Tech History, and How Blind/Low-vision People Drive Mainstream Tech | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:34:13 | |
## Summary In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes welcomes Sam Proulx from Fable, a leading international web accessibility testing company. They discuss Sam's unique upbringing with a blind father who worked at IBM, exploring the evolution of assistive technology and its impact on the blind/low-vision community. The conversation highlights the role of blind individuals in pioneering innovations like text-to-speech and GPS, and the importance of preserving accessibility history. Chapters • 00:02:03 Introduction and Apology for Last Episode • 00:05:10 Introduction to Sam Prew and Fable • 00:08:30 Sam's Early Exposure to Technology • 00:13:00 The Evolution of Assistive Technology • 00:18:00 Challenges in Accessibility Advocacy • 00:23:00 The Role of Blind Innovators • 00:28:00 Conclusion and Future Episodes
Contact Info: | |||
| BLT's 2025 Holiday Tech Guide! | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:23:42 | |
1) Episode Summary This fun, high-energy December episode of Blind Level Tech brings Evan back for the annual Top 10 Tech Gadgets Holiday Special. Evan kicks things off with Christmas music, eggnog confessions, and the joy of seasonal treats before diving into uniquely accessible and creative gifts. He recaps Colorado Gives Day and thanks donors for getting Aftersight to 27% of the $15,000 goal. Then he unveils 10 curated gadgets—from accessible power banks and 32-bit float recorders to cat trackers, drones, soundbars, navigation pouches, and mug warmers—complete with pricing, use cases, and search terms so listeners can easily find them. This episode blends accessibility, tech curiosity, and holiday cheer, helping listeners discover practical stocking stuffers and standout gadgets for the season.
2) Contact Info
3) Show Credits
4) Chapter Markers | |||
| End of the Month Tech News and Updates for November | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:21:02 | |
Its time for your mainstream and assistive tech updates for the end of the month. Summary In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes shares the latest updates in assistive technology, personal experiences with new devices, and insights into accessibility in retail environments. The episode also highlights significant tech news, including updates from Apple and Vispero, and encourages listeners to support Colorado Gives Day. Support Aftersight on Colorado Gives Day on December 9. visit the Colorado Gives Website at coloradogives.org Find Aftersight's Colorado Gives page at coloradogives.org/organizations/aftersight Questions or feedback? email: feedback@aftersight.org leave a voicemail at 720-712-8856 for General inquiries, email contact@aftersight.org. Producer: Evan Starnes An Aftersight Original Podcast ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| BLT Bite: A Demonstration of Haylo Fi | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:03:32 | |
On this BLT Bite, Andrew Babbin and Liam Haily walk us through a short demo of Haylo Fi, which you can learn more about by listening to last weeks episode. Andrew shows us how easy it is to get info like your account ballence, as well as other info like the amount of money spent on things like groceries. We also discuss future plans for Haylo Fi, including the ability to build a budget, all by voice. Learn more and explore Haylo Fi by visiting halofiapp.com ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| Andrew Babin and Liam Hally: Staying On Top of your Money with Halo Fi | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:30:13 | |
summary In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes discusses the innovative financial technology platform Halo Fi with its developers, Andrew Babin and Liam Haley. The conversation covers their personal journeys, the inspiration behind Halo Fi, and the importance of accessibility in finance. They delve into the unique voice-driven features of the app, its potential to bridge the accessibility gap for low vision users, and the future of AI in finance. The episode concludes with advice for newcomers in finance and AI, emphasizing the importance of taking action and problem-solving skills.
Learn more and get involved with Halo Fi at https://halofiapp.com/
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| Patrick Long: Cofounter of Innosearch, Making Websites Intuitive as well as Compliant | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:20:10 | |
This week on BLT, we chat with Patrick Long, co-founder of InnoSearch, a platform designed to enhance online shopping experiences for individuals with blindness and low vision. Patrick shares his journey into the tech world, inspired by personal experiences with family members losing their vision. The conversation delves into the importance of usability over mere compliance with accessibility standards, the innovative features of InnoSearch, including AI integration and a co-browse feature, and the future roadmap for the platform. to get started with Innosearch, visit https://www.innosearch.ai/ To try CoBrouse for yourself, visit the Eyes On Success website at eyesonsuccess.net Have questions or feedback for Aftersight? email: feedback@aftersight.org voicemail: 720-712-8856 general contact: contact@aftersight.org Aftersight website: https://aftersight.org/ Producer: Evan Starnes An Aftersight Original Podcast ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| Troy Otillio: CEO of Aira | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:34:11 | |
In this episode of Blind Level Tech, we are honord to speak withh Troy Otillio, CEO of Aira, to discuss the evolution and impact of Aira's visual interpreting services. They explore Troy's journey from Silicon Valley to leading Aira, the challenges and innovations in wearable technology, and the integration of AI in accessibility tools. The conversation highlights Aira's mission to provide independence and accessibility through human and AI-powered solutions, while giving users the choice between human and AI.
Learn more about Aira at aira.io Contact Troy at troy@aira.io Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap 00:03:00 Troy Otillio's Journey to Aira 00:09:00 Aira's Mission and Vision 00:15:00 The Role of AI in Accessibility 00:21:00 Wearable Technology and Aira's Innovations 00:27:00 Community Feedback and Future Plans questions or feedback? email: feedback@aftersight.org voicemail: 720-712-8856 website: aftersight.org producer: Evan Starnes An Aftersight Original Podcast ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| Even More Apple Updates | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:25:49 | |
On this episode of BLT, Evan and Marty Sobo geek out over the latest releases from Apple, including the new M5 chip, and the updated Apple Vision Pro.
We discuss whether you should upgrade your old M1 or M2 Mac, and share some thoughts on the future of the Vision pro, and its usability in the blind/low-vision community.
producer: Evan Starnes
lead producer: Jonathan Price
questions or feedback?
email: feedback@aftersight.org
feedback line: 720-712-8856
website: aftersight.org
general email: contact@aftersight.org
An Aftersight Original Podcast
★ Support this podcast ★
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| New happenings in Mainstream and Assistive Tech: Apple, Be My Eyes, and Some New Smart Glasses | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:20:16 | |
Summary On this episode of BLT, we take a look at some of the latest happenings in mainstream and assistive tech, from New Apple updates to some new smart glasses designed for navigation. We share some personal stories, like how Evan’s Air pods survived the washing machine for the second time, and hint at some future episodes. Questions or feedback? Email: feedback@aftersight.org Voicemail: 720-712-8856 Website: www.aftersight.org Producer: Evan Starnes An Aftersight Original Podcast ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| Accessible Self Checkout Machines: Coming to a Target Near You | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:11:41 | |
This week on BLT, we take a look at Targets new accessible self checkout machines, which are beeing roled out nation wide.Mbr> We explore the technology behind these machines, their accessibility features, and the potential for future improvements. Want to learn more? Check out this article on the Target corporate website. https://corporate.target.com/news-features/article/2025/09/accessible-self-checkout chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction and Tech Updates 00:03:00 Self-Checkout Experiences 00:06:00 Target's Accessible Rollout 00:09:00 Technology Behind Accessibility 00:12:00 Future Improvements and Feedback Producer: Evan Starnes Website: aftersight.org Feedback: feedback@aftersight.org Feedback Line: 720-712-8856 General Inquiries: contact@afdtersight.org An Aftersight Original podcast ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| Meta Glasses: The Latest, Greatest, and Undocumented Updates | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:15:08 | |
Summary In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes explores the latest advancements in Meta's Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses. Discover the significant hardware upgrades, including enhanced battery life and camera resolution, and delve into the new software features that enhance usability and productivity, such as Google and Outlook calendar integration. Producer: Evan Starnes Questions or feedback? Email: feedback@aftersight.org Feedback Hotline: 720-712-8856 website: www.aftersight.org ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| Highlights From Amazon Fall 2025 Hardware Event | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:25:22 | |
In this episode, Evan discusses the latest innovations from Amazon's Fall 2025 hardware event, focusing on the new Echo lineup, Echo Shows, Fire Tablets, Fire TV Stick, and the introduction of Alexa Plus. He highlights the accessibility features, improvements in sound quality, and the integration of AI in security cameras. The conversation also touches on the technical advancements with the new Linux-based Fire OS, aiming to enhance performance across devices. Check out the full summary of the event at https://www.engadget.com/home/everything-announced-at-amazons-fall-hardware-event-143557140.html Find us at aftersight.org Email feedback@aftersight.org if you have any questions or comments concerning BLT or other Aftersight Original podcasts. ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| iOS26 is out, but should you update yet? | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:49:15 | |
Join Evan Starnes and Marty Sobo as they explore Apple's latest innovations. From the iPhone 17 series to the AirPods Pro 3, and the iOS 26 updates, they discuss the new features, improvements in accessibility, and what these mean for users. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about the latest trends, this episode offers insights and thoughtful analysis. Chapters Markers 00:00 - Welcome & Overview 05:00 - iPhone 17: Key Features 15:00 - AirPods Pro 3: Enhancements 25:00 - iOS 26: Accessibility Updates 35:00 - Final Thoughts Still not sure if you should update? Check out this article from Appleviz to learn more about the changes, accessibility improvements, and issues at https://www.applevis.com/blog/whats-new-ios-26-accessibility-blind-deafblind-users Have questions or feedback for Aftersight? email: feedback@aftersight.org feedback line: 720-712-8856 website: aftersight.org An Aftersight Original production ★ Support this podcast ★ | |||
| Writing Without Limits: Elyse Draper on AI, Accessibility, and Publishing Diverse Voices | Blind Level Tech | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:39:10 | |
In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes shifts the focus from gaming to the world of writing with guest Elyse Draper. Elyse shares her journey as a professional writer with over 25 years of experience, spanning nonfiction, satire, and speculative fiction, as well as her work as CMO of iPub Cloud International. She discusses accessibility in publishing, her rare eye condition, and the tools she uses—ranging from iPad-based apps to JAWS and speech software. The conversation dives deep into writing workflows, AI’s role in creativity, and the evolving publishing landscape. Elyse also highlights her initiatives: Sprabeld, an AI platform helping children with disabilities become protagonists in their own stories, and the VIMB Creatives Workshop, spotlighting blind and low-vision creators. The episode rounds out with a fun lightning round of “Trash or Tool” evaluating various writing and publishing tools, before closing with the Sandwich of the Week and Elyse’s invitation to explore her publishing projects. Listeners will come away inspired to embrace both technology and creativity, and reminded that the only thing stopping them from writing is themselves.
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| VoiceOver to Voice Lines: Radio, Rails, and Accessibility with Austin Seraphin | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:45:49 | |
Evan Starnes sits down with accessibility consultant, amateur radio operator, and co-founder of Philly Touch Tours, Austin Seraphin. They trace his journey from the Apple IIe and BASIC to Linux and open-source advocacy; revisit the “Eliza” moment that sparked a lifelong love of programming; and dig into why universal design beats retrofits and overlays every time. Austin shares memories of the Braille ’n Speak (and today’s BT Speak), the iPhone’s inflection point for accessible tech, and practical guidance for developers—ship with native controls, respect platform semantics, and test with screen readers. They close with the lasting impact of Philly Touch Tours and where to find Austin’s current consulting work.
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